Armstrong 'tipped' off before doping tests

Leading French anti-doper Michel Rieu claimed Lance Armstrong was regularly tipped off over drugs tests during his seven Tour de France victories.

The American went through his entire career without failing a drugs test, but Rieu, the scientific advisor at France's anti-doping body told Le Monde newspaper that Armstrong was warned when the testers were about to call.

"The testers found it difficult to carry out checks without Lance Armstrong benefitting from a delay of 20 minutes," claimed Rieu.

"He was warned before any controls. In 20 minutes, a lot of manipulations are possible. Without information from police or customs, it was impossible to fight this way."

Rieu claims that Armstrong has many supporters inside the sport, willing to help him when needed.

"This support went beyond the UCI (International Cycling Union) and the International Olympic Committee," he said.

"Lance Armstrong was surrounded by scientific physiologists some of which were discarded later. He had considerable resources to protect and implement logistics.

"There were rumours that he transferred blood from the United States in his private jet," claimed Rieu.

The American anti-doping body (USADA) branded Armstrong a dope cheat, a day after the 40-year-old Texan said he would not pursue a bid to clear himself of charges that he used performance enhancing drugs to win the Tour de France from 1999 to 2005.

The agency laid out five rule violations for which Armstrong has been sanctioned, saying the cancer survivor who became a hero to millions took part in a systematic doping conspiracy with his then US Postal Service team.

USADA said Armstrong will forfeit all titles, medals and prizes earned from August 1, 1998, which means he also stands to lose the Olympic bronze medal he won in Sydney in 2000.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) and Tour de France organizers have yet to comment officially, but USADA made it clear it believes they must honor its findings under the World Anti-Doping Code.

Armstrong received support from cycling legend Miguel Indurain who said that the Tour de France should not recognises USADA's call for a ban saying its case against Armstrong was "without scruples".

"Until an organisation recognised by all decides to the contrary, the Tour victories are his," Indurain said.

The American also received support with the comment from The Lance Armstrong Foundation chief Doug Ullman that donations through its Livestrong website were up on Friday.

Sponsors also expressed support, with firms such as apparel-maker Nike and brewer Anheuser-Busch saying they would continue their relationships with Armstrong and his foundation.

Armstrong himself looked relaxed as he set off with the rest of the weekend warriors for a Saturday's race in the Colorado mountains. He said on Twitter he plans to follow up with a marathon on Sunday.